Foreign Policy Essay Contest

The John Quincy Adams Society offering an opportunity for students at University of Minnesota to appear in a well-known publication, The National Interest.

The Society is network of student groups focused on foreign policy - on asking tough questions about national security policy, and on preparing students for high-impact careers. Our chapters have had some real successes this year, including hosting John Mearsheimer for a lecture at our USC chapter.

Our new opportunity is a unique chance for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students to write for a top outlet. The contest serves two primary educational goals. First, it requires concise persuasive writing on a current policy topic - a critical but often neglected skill. Second, it encourages students to answer a question that policy debates often leave out: not what to do, but what not to do. Specifically, we ask them, in 900-1500 words, to answer the following: "In what area of the world could the United States reduce its military involvement? Explain your reasoning."